May 10th, 2011 changed my life for the better. My next big change came on July 29th, 2011. That was the first day that I was officially off of probation. Officially off, after 3 long years of being on it. No more checking in monthly with my probation officer, no more being scared that anything I do may put me back in to that horrible, horrible place....
I knew that 2011 would bring great things for me. I knew it would be "my year"....the year my divorce would finally be over, as well as my probation finally being over.
People seem to think though, that because my probation is now over, that so is my record. Oh how I wish that were the case, but it is not. For you see, my probation is over, but my record is with me for life.
I'll never forget how my public defender told me that the two misdemeanors would not affect me. Boy, was he wrong. It has had a huge impact on me. I am unable to find a good job because Human Resouces puts an end to it before I even have the chance to start despite my qualifications, and I am unable to move. Fortunately, I love the state that I live in, but I am unable to rent from any other apartment because of my misdemeanors. I get treated poorly. They think the worst. I get judged, and I hate it.
I have one more huge hurdle....to secure a permanent, full-time position at a company that will hire me despite my record. Easier said, than done....
